Synthesis and properties of ZnS/polyimide nanocomposite films

A series of ZnS/polyimide (PI) nanocomposite films with different ZnS contents have been successfully fabricated by incorporating ZnS nanoparticles with a diameter of 2-5 nm into polyamic acid, followed by a stepwise thermal imidization process. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results confirm the successful introduction of ZnS particles into PI matrix. Transmission electron microscopy images show that the ZnS nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix without aggregation. The incorporation of ZnS nanoparticles can improve the mechanical properties and the glass transition temperature of nanocomposites, while the thermal degradation temperature of nanocomposites decreases with increasing ZnS content. (C) 2006 Society of Chemical Industry.